unknown, 17 strokes, radical 石, rank #18272, Very Hard
jiāo(jiao1) T1
1jetty, reef
2shoal rock
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March 24, 2026
礁jiāo(jiao1)
The character '礁' (jiāo) refers to a submerged rock or reef that can be hazardous to navigation. It is commonly used in contexts related to marine environments, especially when discussing sailing, fishing, or coastal geography. Understanding this term is essential for those interested in marine biology or maritime travel.
Strokes17Radical石Frequency#18272DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In coastal communities in China, the concept of reefs is vital for fishing practices and environmental conservation, reflecting a deep relationship with the sea. The protection of reefs is often emphasized in discussions about marine biodiversity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant 'jiāo' (jetty) sticking out of the water, like a rock that could trip up a boat. The character '礁' has the radical for 'stone' (石) at the bottom, reminding you that it relates to rocks in the sea.
Meanings of 礁
jiāo(jiao1)
1jetty, reef
2shoal rock
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 礁
礁Simplified
17Strokes
石Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 礁
Podcast: 礁
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AI Study Notes for 礁
Usage Notes
This term is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about marine issues. A common mistake is to confuse '礁' with '桥' (qiáo), which means 'bridge'; remember that '礁' specifically relates to underwater rocks. Be careful with pronunciation, as tonal errors can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
While '礁' is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with other marine-related vocabulary at higher levels. Students should focus on recognizing it in context and associating it with words like '海洋' (hǎiyáng - ocean) and '航行' (hángxíng - navigation).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '礁' (jiāo) with similar-sounding words. For example, some might mistakenly say '桥' (qiáo), meaning bridge, when referring to underwater structures. Always remember that '礁' is specifically about underwater rocks.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 礁
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Phonosemantic compound. 石 represents the meaning and 焦 represents the sound.
1The meaning half石 carries the sense.
2The sound half焦 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayrock
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 礁? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 礁?
Decomposition of 礁
IDS Structure⿰石焦
礁Full Character
=
石dan4
left
焦Jiao1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 礁?
How to say jetty, reef in Chinese
“jetty, reef” in Chinese is礁jiāo
The character '礁' (jiāo) refers to a submerged rock or reef that can be hazardous to navigation. It is commonly used in contexts related to marine environments, especially when discussing sailing, fishing, or coastal geography. Understanding this term is essential for those interested in marine biology or maritime travel.
When to use 礁
This term is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about marine issues. A common mistake is to confuse '礁' with '桥' (qiáo), which means 'bridge'; remember that '礁' specifically relates to underwater rocks. Be careful with pronunciation, as tonal errors can lead to misunderstandings.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '礁' (jiāo) with similar-sounding words. For example, some might mistakenly say '桥' (qiáo), meaning bridge, when referring to underwater structures. Always remember that '礁' is specifically about underwater rocks.
Write 礁
礁
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Practice writing 礁 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 礁
礁 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他们触____时离海岸仅有500码。
When they hit the rocks, they were just 500 yards offshore.
Example Sentences for 礁 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他们触礁时离海岸仅有500码。
tā mén chù jiāo shí lí hǎi àn jǐn yǒu500 500。
When they hit the rocks, they were just 500 yards offshore.
2
老舵手掉转了船的航向,我们才避免了一次撞击礁石的危险.
lǎo duò shǒu diào zhuǎn le chuán de háng xiàng, , wǒ mén cái bì miǎn le yī cì zhuàng jī jiāo shí de wēi.
The old helmsman brought us about and we avoided a dangerous dash against the rocks.
